- Today's Word
Unfledged
un-FLEJD
Definition
(adjective) Inexperienced or immature; not yet developed.
Example
The intern was talented but still unfledged in a high-pressure newsroom.
Fun Fact
Originally used to describe baby birds without feathers—unfledged later took on a figurative meaning to describe people lacking the “feathers” of experience. Shakespeare used it in Romeo and Juliet, and it still pops up today in political commentary or sports coverage, often with a mix of pity and hope. Think of it as the literary way to say, “You’re not quite ready yet.”
(adjective) Threatening harm or expressing hostility; ominous in tone or intent.
The villain gave a baleful glare that silenced the entire room.
Old English bealufull, from bealu meaning “evil” or “harm.”